Meningitis

Meningitis
Frequently Asked Questions

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges (the covering of the brain and spinal cord). Meningitis
can be caused by infection from viruses and bacteria (germs). These germs usually cause everyday
illness, such as an ear infection or pneumonia. It is not known why one person gets meningitis when
others exposed to the same germs do not get as sick, or don't get sick at all. Sometimes funguses,
cancers, head injuries or other factors can cause meningitis, but cases from these sources are rare.
In general, meningitis caused by a virus is less serious than meningitis caused by bacteria.

Which viruses can cause meningitis?

About 90% of viral meningitis cases are due to common stomach viruses called enteroviruses, but
other viruses can also cause viral meningitis. In many cases, the specific virus that caused the
meningitis is not identified. Meningitis caused by other viruses such as measles, herpes and West Nile
is rare, but can be serious. Enteroviruses are passed from person to person through stool or saliva
(spit), but most people who come in contact with enteroviruses do not develop an infection. This is
because their immune system fights the virus. When people develop an infection from an
enterovirus, they may get an upset stomach, a cold, or rash with a low fever.

Which bacteria cause meningitis?

Many different kinds of bacteria can cause meningitis. Laboratory tests identify which bacterium is
responsible. Some of the most common bacteria known to cause meningitis are described below.
Neisseria meningitidis are bacteria that can cause meningococcal disease, a very severe form of
meningitis and/or blood infection. About 15% of people carry these bacteria in their throats without
getting sick. In rare cases, however, the bacteria pass through the throat lining and infect the
meninges and/or blood. These bacteria can be spread through saliva during kissing, sharing of food,
drinks or cigarettes, and sneezing or coughing. People who have come in direct contact with the saliva
of a person with meningitis from Neisseria meningitidis may need to take antibiotics for protection.
People who have not had direct contact with a person with meningitis from Neisseria meningitidis are
not at greater risk, and do not need preventive medicine. There are vaccines that can prevent
meningococcal meningitis.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) can also cause meningitis. In the past, Hib was the most
common cause of bacterial meningitis. There is a vaccine that stops infants and young children from
getting this kind of meningitis. Certain people who have direct contact with the saliva of a person with
meningitis from Hib may need to take preventive medicine.
Streptococcus pneumoniae are bacteria that can cause pneumococcal meningitis. These bacteria are
found in the throat, and most people do not get sick from them. People with weak immune systems,
and those who are very young or over 65, are at risk for getting pneumococcal meningitis or
pneumonia. Although this bacterium can be passed from person to person, meningitis caused by
Streptococcus pneumoniae is not considered contagious. People with direct contact with someone who
has pneumococcal meningitis do not need to get preventive medicine. Pneumococcal vaccine is
recommended for babies and senior citizens to prevent infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Other bacteria can cause meningitis, but these cases are rare and usually not spread from person to person.

Who gets meningitis?

Meningitis occurs in people of all ages, but it is more common in children and people over 65.
Additionally, people with weak immune systems are more at risk for meningitis. Smoking,
second-hand smoke and crowded living conditions also increase the risk for some kinds of meningitis.

What are the symptoms of meningitis?

The early symptoms of meningitis may include fever, headache, body aches, fatigue &
sleepiness. Later symptoms that may occur are nausea, vomiting, confusion, stiff neck, and
sensitivity to light. In babies, the symptoms include fever, fussiness, refusal to eat, difficulty
waking up, and swelling of the soft spot on the baby’s head.

How is meningitis diagnosed?

A health care provider diagnoses meningitis by observing the patient’s symptoms and testing
blood and spinal fluid.

What is the treatment for meningitis?

The type of treatment depends on the germ that caused the meningitis. All patients with
bacterial meningitis and many with viral meningitis will be treated in the hospital. In general,
there are no medications to fight the germs that cause viral meningitis, so treatment is usually
aimed at easing the symptoms. This includes rest, fluids, and fever-reducing medicine. Bacterial
meningitis requires close monitoring in the hospital and treatment with medicines. Additionally,
ventilator assistance, kidney dialysis or other supportive treatments may be needed.

Can people with meningitis pass the illness to others?

Most cases of meningitis result from infections that are contagious. The germs usually spread
from person to person in tiny drops of fluid from the throat and nose of someone who is
infected. This could be a person with meningitis or another infection caused by that germ.
People can become infected when they touch the drops and then touch their own noses or
mouths. Sharing food, drinking glasses, eating utensils, or tissues, may spread the germs too.
Some germs are spread through a person's stool. A person who comes in contact with the stool,
such as when changing a diaper, may get the infection that way.
Most often, meningitis germs are spread between people who have direct contact, such as those
who live together or people who are exposed by kissing or sharing eating utensils. Casual
contact at school or work with a person who has meningitis usually will not spread the germ.
Getting infected with one of the germs that can cause meningitis does not automatically mean a
person will get meningitis. In most cases, the germ will simply cause a cold, upset stomach or
ear infection.

Can meningitis be prevented?

Many of the viruses and bacteria that can cause meningitis are common. Good personal hygiene
is important to prevent any infection. Washing hands thoroughly and often, especially before
eating and after using the bathroom, is your first line of defense against the spread of many
illnesses. Not sharing food drinks, or eating utensils can help stop the spread of meningitis
germs as well. Safe and effective vaccines are available to protect against bacterial meningitis.

Where can I get more information on meningitis?

• Your health care provider
• Your local health department
• NJ Department of Health and Senior Services www.nj.gov/health
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention http://www.cdc.gov

This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation
with a health care professional.
7/07

Meningococcal Invasive Disease
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meningococcal invasive disease?
Meningococcal (men-IN-jo-cah-call) invasive disease is a severe infection of the blood or the
meninges (the covering of the brain and spinal cord). When the infection is in the blood, it is called
meningococcemia. When the infection is in the meninges, it is called meningococcal meningitis.
Both of these infections are caused by a bacterium (germ) called Neisseria meningitidis.
What is Neisseria meningitidis?
It is a bacterium that may be found in the community. About 5 to 20% of people carry these bacteria
in their noses and throats and do not get sick from them. In rare cases the bacteria may get into the
blood or the tissue surrounding the spine and brain and cause severe illness.
Who gets meningococcal invasive disease?
It occurs in people of all ages but is more common in the very young (infants and young children)
and the elderly (people above age 65). College students and military recruits are also slightly more
at risk for the disease because of time spent in crowded living conditions like dorms or barracks.
How do people get meningococcal invasive disease?
The bacteria (germs) are spread from person to person through saliva (spit) or other respiratory
secretions. You must be in close contact with a sick person's secretions in order for the bacteria to
spread. Close contact includes activities such as:
• living in the same household
• kissing
• sharing eating utensils or food
• sharing drinks
• sharing cigarettes
• uncovered face-to-face sneezing or coughing
The bacteria are NOT SPREAD by casual contact activities like being in the same work or school room
as the sick person, or handling books or other items that the sick person has touched. Likewise,
being around a person who was in contact with the sick person does not put you at risk for catching
meningococcal disease.
What are the symptoms of meningococcal invasive disease?
Because early symptoms may be mild and similar to those of less serious viral illnesses like a common
cold, it would not be unusual for people to delay seeking treatment.
The early symptoms of meningococcal disease include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Feeling very tired or sleepy
Other symptoms that may occur are:
• Stiff neck
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Sensitivity to light
Later in the illness, a rash appearing as purple blotches or spots on the arms, legs or torso may
be seen.
What is the treatment for meningococcal invasive disease?
Most people with meningococcal invasive disease are hospitalized and treated with antibiotics.
Because the illness can impair body function, ventilator assistance, kidney dialysis or other
supportive treatments may be needed. (NOTE: It is very important to finish your antibiotics
even if you begin to feel better, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.)
How is meningococcal invasive disease diagnosed?
A health care provider diagnoses meningococcal invasive disease by observing symptoms and
examining blood and spinal fluid.
Can people with meningococcal invasive disease pass the illness to others?
The infectious period for meningococcal disease is considered to be from 10 days before the
person got sick to one day after he or she starts on antibiotics. This means that people who
were in close contact with the sick person during this time are at higher than average risk to
get meningococcal disease.
People who are identified as close contacts should receive antibiotics to prevent them from
getting the disease. (NOTE: It is very important to finish your antibiotics even if you begin to
feel better, unless otherwise directed by a health care provider.)
How can meningococcal invasive disease be prevented?
Getting vaccinated against meningococcal disease will protect people from getting this disease.
Two types of meningococcal vaccine are available:
• Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) has been available since 1978.
• Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) became available in 2005.
Both vaccines are about 90% effective in protecting against four strains of meningococcal
disease, including all but one of the most common strains found in the United States. MCV4 is
currently preferred because it provides longer lasting immunity.
Who should get meningococcal vaccine?
Routine vaccination with MCV4 is recommended for all children aged 11-18 years old. It is also
recommended for persons who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease. These include:
• Incoming college freshmen or military recruits who will live in dormitories or barracks.
• Anyone with an immune system disorder.
• Anyone with a damaged spleen, or whose spleen has been removed.
• Certain groups of people during a meningococcal outbreak.
What are the side effects of vaccination?
Meningococcal vaccines are very safe and effective. As with all vaccines, there can be minor
reactions, including pain and redness at the injection site or a mild fever, which typically last for
one to two days. Severe side effects, such as a serious allergic reaction, are very rare.
Where can I get more information on meningococcal invasive disease?
• Your health care provider
• Your local health department
• NJ Department of Health and Senior Services http://www.nj.gov/health
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/
meningococcal_g.htm
• Vaccine Information Statement http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vismening.
pdf
This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a health care professional.
Revised 7/07

What are the
types of
meningococcal
vaccine?
The first meningococcal vaccine
became available in 1978. In 2005 a
newer form was licensed that provides
longer protection against the disease.
The vaccines do not contain live germs,
so they cannot make you sick with
meningococcal disease.
Who should get
meningococcal
vaccine?
Routine vaccination is
recommended for all
children and adolescents
aged 11 to 18 years.
Meningococcal vaccination is also
recommended for persons who are at
increased risk for meningococcal
disease. These include:
• Incoming college freshmen or
military recruits who will live in
dormitories or barracks
• Anyone with an immune system
disorder
• Anyone with a damaged spleen, or
whose spleen has been removed
• Certain groups of people during a
meningococcal outbreak
What are the side effects
of vaccination?
Meningococcal vaccines are safe and
effective. As with all vaccines, there
can be minor reactions, including pain
and redness at the injection site or a
mild fever, which typically last for one
to two days. Severe side effects, such
as a serious allergic reaction, are very
rare.
Where can I get
more information
about
meningococcal
disease?
• Your health care
provider
• Your local health
department
• NJDHSS Vaccine Preventable
Disease Program website, http://
www.nj.gov/health/cd/
vpdphome.htm
• Vaccine Information Statement,
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/
vis/downloads/vis-mening.pdf
This information is intended for educational purposes only
and is not intended to replace consultation with a health
care professional. 07/07
What is meningococcal
disease?
Meningococcal
disease is a
severe infection of
the blood or the
meninges (the
covering of the
brain and spinal cord). It is caused
by a bacterium (germ) called
Neisseria meningitidis.
About 5 to 20% of people carry these
germs in their noses and throats and
do not get sick from them. In rare
cases the germs may get into the
blood or the tissue surrounding the
spine and brain and cause severe
illness.
Who gets
meningococcal
disease?
Meningococcal disease
is most common in
babies, but teens and
young adults are also at
risk. College students and military
recruits are slightly more likely to get
the disease because of time spent in
crowded living conditions like dorms
or barracks.
Why should I be concerned
about meningococcal
disease?
The disease is rare but very serious.
Over 10% of people who get
meningococcal disease die, and about
20% of survivors are left with
permanent disabilities.
How do people
get
meningococcal
disease?
The germs are spread
from person to person
through saliva (spit) or mucus. You
must be in close contact with a sick
person's secretions in order for the
germs to spread.
Close contact includes activities such
as:
• living in the same household
• kissing
• sharing eating utensils, food or
drink
• uncovered
face-to-face
sneezing or
coughing
What are the symptoms of
meningococcal disease?
Common symptoms are:
• fever
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• feeling very tired or sleepy
• stiff neck
• confusion
Later in the illness, a rash appearing as
red spots or purple blotches on the
arms, legs or torso may be seen.
How can
meningococcal
disease be
prevented?
Getting vaccinated
against
meningococcal disease
will protect people
from getting this disease.
Two types of meningococcal vaccine
are available. Both vaccines are about
90% effective in protecting against the
most common strains of meningococcal
disease.
Meningococcal vaccine can protect YOUR child against this deadly infection.

Information received from    

Posted January 15, 2008